Tarhoil

Tarhoil is a small hamlet located in the Highlands of Scotland, within the historic county of Inverness-shire. The settlement lies approximately seven kilometres north of the town of Ullapool, situated near the shore of the Moray Firth. It is positioned at an elevation of about 120 metres above sea level and is surrounded by heather moorland and the foothills of the Northwest Highlands. Access is primarily via a minor road that connects to the A835, which links the hamlet to wider regional transport routes.

The name Tarhoil is believed to be of Gaelic origin, with earlier forms recorded as “Tarlaghal” in the 17th-century Ordnance Survey maps. Linguistic analysis suggests it may derive from the Gaelic words “tard,” meaning “slow or low,” and “hal,” meaning “salt,” reflecting the settlement’s proximity to the sea and its historical reliance on salt production. The hamlet was historically a small fishing community, with its residents engaging in both sea and freshwater fishing throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Archaeological surveys of the surrounding area have uncovered remnants of a medieval crofting farmstead dated to the 13th century.

During the 20th century Tarhoil experienced a demographic decline, mirroring wider rural depopulation trends in the Highlands. The local population, recorded at 48 in the 1991 census, decreased to 31 by the 2001 census. Efforts to revitalize the area have focused on eco-tourism, with the development of bed-and-breakfast accommodations and guided walks along the neighboring coastal cliffs. The hamlet also hosts an annual community gathering, the Tarhoil Highland Gathering, which showcases traditional Scottish music, dance, and artisanal crafts.

Tarhoil’s location within the natural beauty of the Highland landscape makes it a point of interest for visitors seeking quiet walks and an authentic rural Scottish experience. Its small population and historical landmarks preserve the character of Scottish Highland life, while its proximity to larger towns enables access to broader services and amenities.